The Garage Plan Shop Blog

If you’ve decided to build your dream garage, or just add that extra space you’ve been needing, it is important you make plans to keep your garage safe and hazard free. Knowing how to safely store chemicals and other hazards should be one of your top priorities as many of these dangers usually end up in the garage. Educate yourself and plan ahead so you know just how you are going to store these potentially dangerous items keeping you and your family safe, not to mention your dream car that will be parked inside your new garage. These tips will help you.

Tools and Ladders

·         Make sure extension cords stored or used in the garage are rated for outdoor use due to possible moisture in the garage. Those not rated for outdoor use can easily cause an electrical short or possibly catch fire if stored and/or used outside.

·         Plan to store ladders horizontally against a wall or at floor level using storage hooks to secure them. If stored vertically and not tightly secured, they can easily tip or fall harming people and damaging property.

·         Lawn and garden tools and other small hand tools such as a screw driver or hammer should be placed in a secure space such as a toolbox. If possible lock the toolbox preventing children from accessing dangerous items.

·         Store tools, especially those with sharp points or blades, out of reach of children, but make sure the adult accessing the tools can retrieve it easily without causing any danger or harm to themselves. Also make sure all power tools are turned or switched off before storing after each use.

Chemicals

·         Chemicals should be stored in their original containers with complete warning labels so you know what is inside and what dangers or threats each may pose. Store out of reach from children and in a safe place where they will not fall or spill. They are best stored away from the home in a detached garage or storage shed rather than an attached garage.

·         Anti-freeze is a sweet smelling liquid that can be a killer to pets. As little as one tablespoon can make your pet sick or even be lethal to cats and small dogs. Make sure all caps are secured tightly and store in a safe place. Keep anti-freeze away from children too.

·         Do not store paints, pesticides or auto fluids in old food containers. These containers might leak causing fumes resulting is breathing and respiratory problems, burns and fire hazards.

·         Propane is highly combustible. Propane containers and anything that uses propane should be stored away from the home in a detached garage, shed or outbuilding. It is not safe to store propane in your attached garage.

·         Ice-melt mixtures and road salt can be very harmful to children and pets. Make sure these items are stored in non-spill, childproof containers. Put them in a locked closet in the garage or out of reach of children and pets.

Tags: garage organization, garage safety tips, garage storage tips

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